The Fine Art of Being a Working Mother
Why It's Important to Find a Balance Between Work and Baby
Feb 18, 2009
Finding a balance between performing your job satisfactorily and making sure your baby is getting the best possible care is a challenge. Guilt plays a big part as working mothers often worry about leaving their child in the care of others and missing milestones in their baby's life.
Undoubtedly, venturing out into the working world while your child is still young is always going to be a juggling act. But there are some steps that women can take to make this transition easier:
Decide How Many Hours You Want To Work
When you first decide to go back to work, it's a good idea to decide on the number of hours you want to put in. Of course, this is assuming you have the flexibility to shorten your hours. The first years of childhood can be exhausting on a new mother. Shorter working hours enables mothers to keep their careers while simultaneously having time for their baby.
Invest in Excellent Childcare
Too much emphasis cannot be put on this. After all, no one wants to sacrifice her child's wellbeing. Your ability to perform well at work will be best if your mind is at ease regarding child care arrangements. Prepare early by looking up child care in your area as soon as or before your baby is born. Ensure that you arrange for the best possible care that you can afford for your baby. In Australia, the Raising Children Network, is an excellent source of information.
Consider Working Part-time Until Your Child is at Least Six Months
Many studies advise that it's best if very young children aren't in long term day care 5 days a week. Obviously some women are forced to return to work full time very quickly due to unavoidable circumstances. In such cases the solution is perhaps to at least ensure that the baby is in excellent care.
Spend Quality Time with Your Baby
In between working, whenever you have time to spend with your child make sure that every moment counts. Use the time together to relax. Take your baby to a playgroup where you can meet other mothers, spend time outdoors, read to your child etc. It's an opportunity for you to unwind, forget about the pressures of work and get to know your baby.
Working May Actually Make You a Better Mother
While working is not for every mother, many women who return to work also do so because they enjoy their professional life and it is an important component of their self worth. It enables them to have an identity outside of their home. This may be reflected in your general well being and your baby will pick up on this.
Read Up on Baby Behaviour & Development
Your work maybe important, but for most mothers their baby comes first. So make sure you keep abreast of baby behaviour and development by reading or watching up-to-date information on these topics. Even though you don't spend as much time with your child as a full time mum, you'll then be able to understand all the subtle changes as your baby grows. You'll also have the confidence to plan your future work commitments knowing what to expect of your baby as he or she grows.
These tips may be useful in achieving a work/baby balance but remember that children are unpredictable. They may need you at the most inconvenient of times. You may be summoned in the middle of a meeting for instance! In the end every working mother needs to tailor her life to suit herself and her baby's unique requirements.
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